waymont

I am familiar with them. They were very close to the Zoom Fluke. When BPS bought Cabela's they discontinued the bait you are looking for. If you haven't tried the Cabela's Swim Minnow swimbait, you should. It's one of the best swimbaits out there that no one uses. Great colors and reasonably priced.

Still use and catch lots of fish on these some that are 40 years old. Rebel 3.5” broke back and straight minnows (many many hook changes over the years) Mepp’s of different sizes original Floating Rapala Hula Popper Big O

I have a Shimano Sensilite 7’ light fast tip rod. It was $49 and no joke, is really nice. I bought it to enter cheaply in the BFS zone, but I am 100% happy with it. It’s definitely not a whippy trout UL. I think people refer to them as bass BFS.

I was a squawker.

70 would be a 100%.The 70K is a fantastic reel

There isn't an old 70k. Any Curado 70k will be the newest model with the MGL spool.

Bass Pro has a great Hellgrammite bait that is much cheaper. I've caught tons of bass with them on a light wacky jig.

Many many many

The Bitsy Bug has a somewhat light hook and weed guard , they also make a jig that is almost the same with a thicker hook and weed guard called the Bitsy Flip. It has a nice Mustad hook, that is much stronger than the original. I use it with 17 and 20lb line and have never bent one out. It's a favorite jig of mine. Get a few!

I use a Champion 705c for frogs sometimes. It has a slightly slower tip than the Fury 735, but is way more balanced, and light. Great jig rod too.

IMX-Pro have full cork grips.

Wow so many responses stating different “sciences “. the answer is just fish what ever size you want to. The 3/8oz jig is probably the most used size jig, and they catch thousands of fish a year. I don’t think 3/8 of a t rig and a jig are going to be any different. PS-I use a 3/8 bullet weight all the time. It works!

I never stopped throwing it, and it has always produced year after year.

McCoy and Trilene XL

I have seven 2017 Tatula SV, all are as smooth as day one. Like all new reels I get, I take them apart, clean them, and re-grease/oil them. I do regular maintenance, and have never had one problem with them. I also have two 2020 versions, and have the same experience. Excellent reels. Anytime any of my reels feel sluggish, either casting or retrieving, they get attention.

Either the 17 or 20, both are excellent skipping reels

Every time I transport any rod outside of my house they are in a sleeve, and they only get removed after they are in the boat.

Never would think about it. I think they’re a disgusting organization.

6/0 or 7/0 Beast hook should work well

They work great with the correct size snap. Stay away from the standard VMC duo-lock snap. they open up in the smaller size very easily. Touch locks are good though.

I have great success with the Skitter Prop

Straight white and chartruese/white are great colors.

1/16 or 3/16oz plus plastic like a 3"/3.8" swimbait or a 4" worm. A nice full spool, and not a crazy fast cast. I find really trying to whip it out there I get less distance. I LOVE that 7'1" Tatula rod. It's so sensitive and comfortable to fish with. They list it as a drop shot rod, but I use it for everything.

If you are only casting 35' with this rod it must be you line choice, or reel. I can cast what you are describing over 70' with that rod. I use a tatula LT 3000 with 10lb braid to an 8lb FC leader. What line/reel are you using?

The Curado mgl has become one of my favorite reels. I have a 7 and 8 speed, and both are fantastic for lots of stuff. Both are on an IMX-Pro 852 JWR, a beautiful light weight matching.